Managed fiber connectivity systems

Abstract

A communications connection system includes an adapter module defining at least first and second ports and at least one media reading interface mounted at one of the ports. The first adapter module is configured to receive a fiber optic connector at each port. Some type of connectors may be formed as duplex connector arrangements. Some types of adapters may include ports without media reading interfaces. Some types of media reading interfaces include contact members having three contact sections.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A fiber optic connector comprising:
 a connector body configured to terminate at least one optical fiber, the connector body defining a cavity, the cavity including an outer ledge, the outer ledge defining a plurality of depressions; 
 a storage device installed within the cavity of the connector body, the storage device having a first end seated on the outer ledge within the cavity and an opposite second end facing away from the outer ledge, the storage device including memory configured to store physical layer information, the storage device also including at least one contact member disposed on the second end, the at least one contact member being electrically connected to the memory; and 
 adhesive disposed at the depressions in the outer ledge, the adhesive holding the storage device to the outer ledge. 
 
     
     
       2. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact member is flush with an adjacent section of the connector body when the storage device is installed within the cavity. 
     
     
       3. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the memory is positioned at the first end of the storage device and the at least one contact member is positioned at the second end of the storage device. 
     
     
       4. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the storage device includes a printed circuit board to which the memory and the at least one contact member are coupled. 
     
     
       5. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the memory is an EEPROM chip that is accommodated within the cavity. 
     
     
       6. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact member is one of a plurality of contact members provided at the second end of the storage device, each contact member being electrically connected to the memory. 
     
     
       7. The fiber optic connector of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of contact members include least three contact members. 
     
     
       8. The fiber optic connector of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of contact members includes four contact members. 
     
     
       9. The fiber optic connector of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of contact members are staggered. 
     
     
       10. The fiber optic connector of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of contact members have at least two different lengths. 
     
     
       11. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the storage device includes a circumferential edge extending between the first and second ends, and wherein part of the circumferential edge is accessible from an exterior of the connector body. 
     
     
       12. The fiber optic connector of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of contact members have portions extending in parallel strips. 
     
     
       13. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity is defined through a region of the connector body that defines a rotational key. 
     
     
       14. The fiber optic connector of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one contact member curves over the part of the circumferential edge. 
     
     
       15. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the connector body defines an LC connector. 
     
     
       16. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the connector body defines an MPO connector that is configured to terminate a plurality of optical fibers. 
     
     
       17. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the connector body is coupled to a second connector body using a non-removable clip to form a duplex connector arrangement. 
     
     
       18. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a ferrule disposed within the connector body; and 
 an optical fiber having a first end held by the ferrule. 
 
     
     
       19. The fiber optic connector of  claim 18 , wherein the optical fiber is one of a plurality of optical fibers each having a respective first end held by the ferrule. 
     
     
       20. The fiber optic connector of  claim 1 , wherein the depressions in the outer ledge form a crenelated pattern.